Bharat Forge Limited signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Germany-based Agile Robots S.E. on 8 January 2026 to explore a strategic collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI)-driven robotics and intelligent industrial automation. The proposed collaboration is focused on civilian manufacturing applications, with an emphasis on enabling highly autonomous production environments commonly referred to as dark factories.
The MoU provides a framework for the two companies to jointly co-develop, localise and deploy AI- and vision-based robotic solutions for manufacturing, industrial consumer packaged goods and logistics applications. The scope also includes offering selected existing Agile Robots solutions to regional markets while building local capabilities.
The collaboration will also focus on developing robotic systems capable of enabling highly autonomous manufacturing environments, including factories designed to operate with minimal human intervention or no human intervention. The partnership is limited to civilian industry and manufacturing use cases, with no defence-related applications envisaged.
“This strategic collaboration with Agile Robots is a reinforcement of Bharat Forge’s ambition to provide state-of-the-art intelligent robotic and automation solutions across multiple industries while driving manufacturing efficiencies at home,” said Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman and Joint Managing Director of Bharat Forge Limited. “Manufacturing in India is on a steep growth path, and with Agile Robots we are going to deploy bespoke, modular and intelligent automation solutions across sectors,” he stated.
“By partnering with Bharat Forge, Agile Robots is strengthening its position in India’s rapidly growing manufacturing sector,” said Rory Sexton, Executive Director of Agile Robots S.E.. “Combining Agile Robots’ AI-driven robotic automation with Bharat Forge’s sectoral expertise will allow us to improve the efficiency and precision of entire production systems,” he said.
The MoU was signed by senior executives from both organisations. The companies did not disclose financial details, investment commitments or timelines related to the collaboration.
Bharat Forge Limited is a Pune-based Indian multinational that manufactures safety-critical components and solutions for sectors including automotive, power, oil and gas, construction and mining, rail, marine, defence and aerospace. The company operates manufacturing facilities across five countries and provides services spanning design, engineering, manufacturing and validation.
Agile Robots S.E. is a Munich-headquartered developer of AI-enabled robotic automation solutions founded in 2018. The company operates across Germany, the United States, China and India, and develops robotics and AI technologies through its group companies. In June 2025 the company inaugurated a manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu.